scholarly journals Health-related benefits and adverse events associated with yoga classes among participants that are healthy, in poor health, or with chronic diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takakazu Oka ◽  
Battuvshin Lkhagvasuren

Abstract Background Our previous study demonstrated that 42% of yoga class participants in Japan had chronic diseases requiring medication. This raises the question as to whether those with chronic diseases would benefit from practicing yoga or if they are at higher risk for specific adverse events compared to healthy individuals receiving the same instruction. Methods To address these questions, 328 adults who started practicing yoga for the first time were asked to complete the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 8, standard version (SF-8™) and to record any adverse events on the first day of the yoga class and again three months later. The participants consisted of three groups: a healthy (H) group (n = 70), a poor health (PH) group (n = 117), and a chronic disease (CD) group (n = 141). The degree of subjective symptoms was also compared between the pre- and post-intervention period in the PH and CD groups. Results Typically, yoga classes were held once a week for 60–90 min. The programs included asanas, pranayamas, meditation, isometric yoga, and sukshma vyayama. In the PH and CD groups, the POMS tension-anxiety and fatigue scores decreased and the vigor score increased significantly after the first class. Furthermore, PSS scores decreased and the SF-8™ scores increased significantly three months later. The degree of subjective symptoms such as easy fatigability, shoulder stiffness, and insomnia also decreased over three months. Individuals in these groups experienced more frequent adverse events than those in the H group. The PH and CD groups also experienced a greater variety of symptoms, including psychological ones, not reported by the H group. Adverse events were not so serious that participants stopped practicing yoga during the class. About 60% of all participants were highly satisfied with participating in yoga classes. Conclusions If yoga classes are conducted with attention to possible adverse events, yoga practice in a yoga studio may have beneficial effects for people with functional somatic symptoms and chronic diseases, as well as healthy participants. These benefits include reductions in perceived stress and uncomfortable symptoms as well as improved mood and quality of life.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takakazu Oka

Abstract Background: Our previous study demonstrated that 42% of yoga class participants in Japan had chronic diseases that required medication. This raises the question as to whether those with chronic diseases could benefit from practicing yoga or if they are at higher risk for specific adverse events compared to healthy individuals receiving the same instruction. Methods: To address these questions, 328 adults who started practicing yoga for the first time were asked to complete the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 8, standard version (SF-8TM) and to record any adverse events on the first day of the yoga class and again three months later. The participants consisted of three groups: a healthy (H) group (n=70), a poor health (PH) group (n=117), and a chronic disease (CD) group (n=141). The severity of subjective symptoms was also compared between the pre- and post-intervention period in the PH and CD groups.Results: Typically, yoga classes were held once a week for 60-90 min. The programs included asanas, pranayamas, meditation, isometric yoga and sukshma vyayama. In the PH and CD groups, the POMS tension-anxiety and fatigue scores decreased and the vigor score increased significantly after the first class. Furthermore, PSS scores decreased and the SF-8TM scores increased significantly three months later. The severity of subjective symptoms such as easy fatigability, shoulder stiffness, and insomnia also decreased over three months. Individuals in these groups experienced more frequent adverse events than those in the H group. The PH and CD groups also experienced a greater variety of symptoms, including psychological ones, not reported by the H group. Adverse events were not so serious that subjects stopped practicing yoga during the class. About 60% of all participants were highly satisfied with participating in yoga classes.Conclusions: If yoga classes are conducted with attention to possible adverse events, yoga practice in a studio may have beneficial effects for people with functional somatic symptoms and chronic diseases, as well as healthy subjects. These benefits include reductions in perceived stress and uncomfortable symptoms as well as improved mood and quality of life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (SUPPLEMENT 2) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Joanna Lewandowska ◽  
Mateusz Tomaczak ◽  
Iwona Wilk ◽  
Felicja Lwow

Background: Menopause is associated with numerous somatic dysfunctions, an increased risk of chronic diseases, and complications in the mental and social components of health that lower the quality of life (QoL). Obesity and related comorbidities affect over 60% of postmenopausal women in Poland. A significant role for systematic physical activity (PA) in the prevention of dysfunctions and chronic diseases, including obesity and mental disorders, has been observed previously. A low level of PA is observed across the Polish population, especially in postmenopausal women. Aim of the study: To examine QoL in postmenopausal women participating in a community health promotion program as it relates to obesity and levels of PA. Material and methods: The study sample consisted of 76 postmenopausal women (aged 65.75±5.14 years) participating in the Active Wrocław 55+ program. Before starting the program, anthropometric measurements were taken, and QoL and PA were assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), respectively. Results: Most women had a PA level above 600 MET -min/week (78.95%), and were overweight or obese (86.84%). A waist circumference over 80 cm, indicating an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, was observed in 85.89% of the participants. BMI and waist circumference negatively correlated with the level of PA (p=0.001 and p=0.017, respectively). Women exhibiting low levels of PA and higher BMIs showed a significantly lower QoL compared to those with higher PA and lower BMIs, particularly with regard to the physical domains of QoL. Conclusions: Obesity and a low level of PA are associated with a significant decline in the health-related QoL (especially in the PF and PCS domains) of postmenopausal women an urban setting.


2021 ◽  
pp. 201010582110549
Author(s):  
Fazila Aloweni ◽  
Kinjal Doshi ◽  
Nurliyana Agus ◽  
Stephanie Fook-Chong ◽  
Sin Yan Wu ◽  
...  

Background Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) has not been evaluated for its feasibility and effectiveness in reducing stress and anxiety among family caregivers of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Objectives (1) To evaluate the feasibility to include MBI during PD training for family caregivers. (2) To determine the effect of MBI on the caregivers’ levels of stress (perceived stress scale, PSS), anxiety state-trait anxiety inventory, STAI), QOL (short-form 36) and reactions to caregiving (caregiver reaction assessment, CRA). (3) To determine differences in the health-related QOL (Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument-Short Form, KDQOL PCS and SF-36 MCS) of care recipients with caregivers receiving MBI at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months when compared to those with caregivers receiving routine training. (4) To gather the caregiver’s feedback on the MBI. Methods This feasibility study recruited family caregivers to receive either mindfulness training (MT) or treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. Both groups received 4.5-days of structured PD training, but only caregivers in the MT group received 4 days of MT sessions, audio-guided mindfulness practice at home and weekly telephone follow-up. Results Forty-four family caregivers participated in this study. Including MBI as part of the PD training was feasible. There was a trend towards lower scores for PSS and T-STAI in the MT group compared to the TAU group. The baseline score of both PSS and T-STAI were positively correlated with post-intervention outcome scores. Conclusions Mindfulness-based intervention has the potential to improve psychological symptoms among caregivers of patients with PD.


Author(s):  
Yaira Barranco-Ruiz ◽  
Susana Paz-Viteri ◽  
Emilio Villa-González

Introduction: This study aims to analyze the effect of two dance-focused and choreographic fitness classes on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in sedentary worker women. Methods: 65 sedentary middle-aged worker women (38 ± 7.3 years old) completed a 16-week intervention randomly assigned to: (1) dance fitness group based on Zumba Fitness classes (DF group, n = 25)], (2) dance fitness + functional strength training group (DFFT group, n = 20), and (3) control group (n = 20). HRQoL was assessed by the 36-Item Short-Form Health-Survey (SF-36), which evaluates 8 dimensions of health [General Health (GH), Physical Functioning (PF), Social Functioning (SF), Physical Role (PR), Emotional Role (ER), Bodily Pain (BP), Vitality (V), and Mental Health (MH)] scored from 0 (worst) to 100 (best health status). Results: The control group statistically differed from both exercise groups in PF and PR, and from the DF group in SF and MH showing a lower score. No statistical differences were observed between exercise groups post-intervention, except in V. DF group showed increases in GH, PF, SF, V, PR, and MH post-intervention. Conclusions: A 16-week dance fitness intervention based on Zumba Fitness classes generates notable improvements in a wide range of HRQoL dimensions in sedentary middle-aged worker women, especially in V, PR and MH dimensions.


2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Jeter ◽  
Susan Cronin ◽  
Sat Bir Khalsa

Background: Law enforcement ranks as one of the most stressful occupations in the world. Yoga is a mind-body practice composed of postures, breathing, and meditation techniques, and is known for its beneficial effects on stress and mood disturbance. Objectives: This pilot study evaluated the effects of Kripalu yoga on perceived stress, mood, and mindfulness during police academy training. Method: Forty-two recruits participated in a 6-class yoga intervention. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States-Short Form, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire prior to and immediately following completion of the yoga program, as well as an exit survey. Results: Paired samples t-tests revealed significant postintervention changes in perceived stress and mood, reductions in tension and fatigue, and a trend toward reduced anger. Changes in mindfulness were not detected. The exit survey indicated perceived benefits of yoga for some participants. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that yoga may be beneficial for reducing stress, tension, and fatigue among police academy trainees. Future longitudinal randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate its full potential as a permanent component of police academy training.


Author(s):  
Amy Hasselkus

The need for improved communication about health-related topics is evident in statistics about the health literacy of adults living in the United States. The negative impact of poor health communication is huge, resulting in poor health outcomes, health disparities, and high health care costs. The importance of good health communication is relevant to all patient populations, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Efforts are underway at all levels, from individual professionals to the federal government, to improve the information patients receive so that they can make appropriate health care decisions. This article describes these efforts and discusses how speech-language pathologists and audiologists may be impacted.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 140-151
Author(s):  
Markus A. Wirtz ◽  
Matthias Morfeld ◽  
Elmar Brähler ◽  
Andreas Hinz ◽  
Heide Glaesmer

Abstract. The association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Short-Form Health Survey-12; SF-12) and patient-reported morbidity-related symptoms measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) is analyzed in a representative sample of older people in the general German population. Data from 1,659 people aged 60 to 85 years were obtained. Latent class analysis identified six classes of patients, which optimally categorize clusters of physical symptoms the participants reported: musculoskeletal impairments (39.8%), healthy (25.7%), musculoskeletal and respiratory/cardiac impairments (12.8%), musculoskeletal and respiratory impairments, along with bowel and digestion problems (12.9%), general impairments (4.9%), and general impairments with no bowel and digestion problems (4.8%). The participants’ SF-12 Physical Health Scores (η2 = .39) and their Mental Health Scores (η2 = .28) are highly associated with these latent classes. These associations remain virtually identical after controlling for age. The results provide evidence that profiles of patient-reported physical impairments correspond strongly with reduced HRQoL independently from aging processes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 030006052092040
Author(s):  
Yao Lu ◽  
Teng Ma ◽  
Cheng Ren ◽  
Zhong Li ◽  
Liang Sun ◽  
...  

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of bone transport involving circular external fixation and locking plate application for the treatment of segmental tibial defects. Methods A retrospective review of 12 patients with segmental tibial defects who underwent bone transport with circular external fixation and locking plate application. We evaluated external fixation time, external fixation index, time to achieve union, and complications. Clinical results were assessed using the Association for the Study and Application of the Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) score. Generic health-related outcome was assessed using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Results The mean follow-up was 25.8 months, and the mean defect size was 6.7 cm. All of the patients achieved union at the distraction callus and docking site. The average external fixation time was 299.5 days. The mean external fixation index was 16.5 days/cm, and the mean healing index was 44.9 days/cm. The functional outcomes were excellent in eight cases and good in four. The average SF-36 score was 92. Conclusion Bone transport with external fixation and locking plate application may be a promising method for the treatment of segmental tibial defects.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Ružica Dragun ◽  
Nikolina Nika Veček ◽  
Mario Marendić ◽  
Ajka Pribisalić ◽  
Gabrijela Đivić ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate dietary habits, sleep and psychological well-being of adolescents and medical students during COVID-19 lockdown in Split, Croatia. Methods: We surveyed 1326 students during 2018 and 2019, and compared their responses with 531 students enrolled in May 2020. Perceived stress, quality of life (QoL), happiness, anxiety, and optimism were assessed as proxies of psychological well-being, using general linear modelling. Results: We found no substantial differences in dietary pattern between pre-lockdown and lockdown periods, including the overall Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence. However, the MD pattern changed, showing increased adherence to the MD pyramid for fruit, legumes, fish, and sweets, while cereals, nuts, and dairy intake decreased during COVID-19 lockdown. A third of students reported weight loss during lockdown, 19% reported weight gain, while physical activity remained rather stable. The most prominent change was feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep, reported by 31.5% of students during lockdown vs. 8.5% before; median length of sleep duration increased by 1.5 h. Lockdown significantly affected QoL, happiness, optimism (all p < 0.001), and perceived stress in students (p = 0.005). MD adherence was positively correlated with QoL and study time, and negatively with TV and mobile phone use in pre-lockdown period (all p < 0.001). Interestingly, higher MD adherence was correlated with less perceived hardship and greater happiness and QoL during lockdown. Conclusion: These insights provide valuable information for tailored interventions aimed at maintaining healthy lifestyle in young population. Given the numerous beneficial effects associated with MD adherence, modification of lifestyle through application of lifestyle medicine deserves a priority approach.


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